Madeira’s Best Experiences and Activities

Updated 2025

Of all the regions I’ve visited in Portugal, Madeira is, by far, the best for experiences. I know that’s a big claim, but it really does have it all. As someone who is a sucker for unique experiences, spending two weeks in Madeira was just like being a kid in Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Dramatic landscapes, epic driving, mouth watering food, waterfalls, wine and wonder. Ladies and gentlemen… welcome to Madeira!

The Complete Madeira Guide

Madeira Road Trip Guide

I first wrote this guide in 2022 but I visit Madeira every year and this is continually updated.

Planning a trip to Portugal? You’re in the right place! Welcome to Travel Planning and Itinerary design by Candy. Olá! I’m an independent travel advisor living in Portugal (since 2016). I help people plan their dream trip to Portugal, Spain and Italy. You’re currently reading a post from my collection of travel guides. I also offer personal travel consultation and a bespoke itinerary service.

Best Experiences and Adventures in Madeira

Madeira is so special that the original Madeira travel guide was overflowing with experiences so I wrote a specific experience guide. This island is made for adventure so buckle up, here is my personal run down of Madeira’s best experiences.

HIKE TO MADEIRA’S HIGHEST POINT – THE BREATHTAKING PICO RUIVO

At 1861m Pico Ruivo is Madeira ‘s highest peak and the island’s most spectacular hike. There are several ways to reach Ruivo. The easiest is the PR1.2 route from Achada do Teixeira. This fairly easy hike takes around an hour and has you above the clouds almost immediately. The most famous hike is the longer, more challenging PR1 route which links the 3 highest peaks together Pico Arieiro, Pico das Torres and Pico Ruivo. This 12 km out and back route delivers a challenging but breathtaking hike with views you won’t forget in a hurry. If hikings not your jam but you don’t want to miss out on the views you’re in luck. There is a car park a very short walk from the peak of Arieiro which delivers the most incredible sunrise and sunset. Arrive early (before sunrise) if you want to guarantee a space at the top car park and grab a space at the lookout. 

Hiking in Madeira – the new rules. To combat overcrowding the regional government has implemented a booking system. There are a limited number of slots available on each trail each day and you now have to choose your day and pay in advance using the SIMplifica website. There is a helpful video (in English and Portuguese) explaining exactly how to do this. This applies to the following trails : 

• PR1 Areeiro Trail
• PR1.1 Island Path
• PR1.2 Pico Ruivo Trail
• PR1.3 Encumeada Trail
• PR2 Urzal Trail
• PR5 Vereda das Funduras
• PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes
• PR6.1 Levada do Risco
• PR6.2 Levada do Alecrim
• PR6.3 Lagoa do Vento Trail
• PR6.4 Levada Velha do Rabaçal
• PR6.5 Pico Fernandes Trail
• PR6.6 Horse Tunnel Trail
• PR6.7 Rabaçal Loading Chamber Trail
• PR6.8 Levada do Paul II
• PR7 Levada do Moinho
• PR8 Ponta de S. Lourenço Trail
• PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde
• PR9.1 Levada do Caldeirão Verde 
• PR10 Levada do Furado
• PR11 Balcony Path
• PR12 Royal Road of Encumeada
• PR13 Fanal Trail
• PR13.1 Straw Path Load
• PR14 Levada dos Cedros
• PR15 Ribeira da Janela Trail
• PR16 Levada Fajã do Rodrigues
• PR17 Pinnacle and Leaf Trail
• PR18 King’s Canal
• PR19 Royal Road of Paul do Mar
• PR20 Vereda do Jardim do Mar
• PR21 Northern Road
• PR22 Vereda do Chão dos Louros
• PR27 Plateau Glacier
• PR28 Levada da Rocha Vermelha

I understand that booking and paying for access to nature can feel frustrating but in this case I support it 100%. As visitors, tourists, hikers and humans we need to take responsibility for our impact. If the trails continued running as they were before with no cap on visitor numbers, not only would it become dangerous but there would be no trails left to enjoy. Nature has to come first. Please respect the rules.

OR TAKE THE PATH LESS BEATEN PATH – HIKE TO PICO GRANDE

PR1 is undeniably beautiful and for sure the best hike to experience on the island. However if you have already completed PR1 and you are looking for another challenge or you wan to hike away from the crowds and the drones then Pico Grande is your answer. There are several routes up there but I took the Vereda das Fajã Escura trail to Relvinhas and then joined the Encumeada trail to Pico Grande. For the entire Fajã Escura trail I didn’t see another single person, it was me and the lizards the whole way up and back. When I madeI made it to the last 1km slog to the top of Pico Grande I was joined by a handful of people from the Encumeada trail; but by. no means was it busy. The trail is hard, it is a relentless incline and a scramble tot eh very top, but it is also opens up to the most breathtaking landscape. From almost the very beginning you’ll be able to make out the PR1 trail in the distance and as you get closer to the peak you can mak eout the entire central mountain massif. Absolutely incredible. Although it is not a technical climbs there are some areas that need extra care. Some parts of the trail are narrow with a sheer drop and no railings. The last 1km to the top is a scramble over loose rock but this is open and no chance of slipping off an edge. The trail starts nice and shady but opens right up to brutal sun exposure at the end so take hats and cream. It was a toughie, for me at least, but it’s a brilliant hike.

SWIM AND FROLIC IN THE PORTO MONIZ NATURAL POOLS

Porto Moniz is one of the more ‘touristy’ places in Madeira but with good reason. The town is on the most western point and looks across to Seixal and the most stunning cliffs plunging into the ocean. Another big draw are the natural pools. Usually I am completely put off by crowded places but I really enjoyed swimming at the pools here. Even during the busiest time of day there is space to find your own rock.

STAY IN A REAL MOUNTAIN SHELTER

This is one of the coolest experiences I had in Madeira. Not many people know you can stay in the mountain shelter at Pico Ruivo, in fact I read blogs specifically telling people you can’t. I’m here to tell you can, and it’s brilliant! Casa Do Abrigo is just 10 minutes down from the peak. It’s extremely basic and there is no electricity but for €18 you’ll get a bed with warm bedding and access to the toilets and showers (cold water only). One thing to note – there are snacks available to buy but no hot food. There is a bbq area if you want to bring your own to cook. Alternatively if you are on PR1.2 you can fill up at Achada do Teixeira mountain spot cafe before you arrive (about a 1 hour hike from Casa Abrigo).

I recommend booking the mountain hut in advance

GO WILD CAMPING (LEGALLY!)

This is one of the best ways to get close to nature in Madeira and the island is completely set up for it. Wild camping is illegal in Portugal but Madeira has around 12 designated areas spread across the island where it’s allowed. The only rule is you must apply for a camping permit first. The process is free and very easy – visit here to apply. I wild camped twice during the first trip. In the first location I shared the large area with a two other tents but the second place I camped (pictured above) I had completely to myself.

EMBARK ON A DRIVING ADVENTURE RIGHT THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF THE ISLAND

Madeira is Made for driving! It is the only way to really experience the island. I’ve now spent three weeks of driving around Madeira; my jaw was constantly at my feet. There is a great road between São Vicente and Porto do Sol that takes you from the coast up to almost the highest point and back down through the valley to the other coast. The scenery is breathtaking the entire way and I can confidently say the roads are some of the most scenic I’ve ever driven on. One thing to keep in mind, some roads (especially sections of the ring road) may be closed due to weather/other dangers. Please respect these closures for your own and other’s safety, and for the protection of this beautiful island.

You’ll notice I mention Zest in many of my guides. That’s because I’ve used them for my car hire all over Portugal including Madeira. I highly recommend them for their easy-to-use website and excellent customer service.

MADEIRA DRIVING GUIDE

STAND ON THE EDGE OF THE WORLD AT PONTA DO PARGO

If you’re looking for a real remote feeling, drive out to Ponta do Pargo and walk the windswept cliffs. This was one of the most remote feeling places I drove and it’s guaranteed to make you feel small. Don’t forget to stop off at Gato Legal for coffee.

GET A FREE CAR WASH AND SHOWER

It may not be Madeira’s best kept secret but Cascata dos Anjos has to be one of the most unique experiences on the island.This dramatic waterfall lands right onto the road making the most exciting car wash of your life; or if you’re up for it, the most exciting shower of your life. Be safe and sensible. If the area is closed, do not pass.

TAKE PART IN A WINE TASTING WITH A VIEW

I’m sure you’ve already heard of and probably even tasted the island’s famous ‘Madeira’ wine but did you know the island also has some stunning table wines and some spectacular places to drink them. I’ve been lucky enough to take part in wine tastings all over Portugal and Quinta do Barbusano winery based in São Vicente is one of, if not, the most beautiful.

WINE TASTING DOURO VALLEY

TAKE A CABLE CAR TO A HIDDEN PARADISE

Achadas da Cruz is a remote village in a hidden corner of Madeira. The only access is via boat or a (steep) cable car ride. For €5 you can ride down to the secluded beach and village. Walk the stone path and admire the towering cliffs pluncging down into the ocean. natural beauty at it’s finest

BATHE AT A BLACK SAND BEACH

Madeira isn’t known for sandy beaches. Although there are some jaw dropping beaches to explore there are only two (black) sand beaches on the island, the rest are stoney. These black beauties may not be the typical beach you think of when you think of Portugal but they do offer a unique beach experience. Pack your bathers and a towel and head to Seixal for a day on this black sand beach.

If you’re looking for sandy beaches and more chances to sunbathe it’s worth mentioning Porto Santo (a short ferry or flight away) has some gorgeous white sand beaches to enjoy.

I could go on and on but part of the magic of Madeira is getting out and finding your own experiences so…off you go! Have fun! If (when) you find other cool experiences let me know so I can add them to my next trip itinerary!